Vegan Baking Day

Happy Vegan Baking Day!!

The last Friday in September (today!) is Vegan Baking Day.... which means it is time to share your amazing vegan baking or to try something new.  It's a good way to open your horizons to understand and appreciate why the people who choose not to eat animal products make that life changing decision.  I found this great recipe from thekitchn.com (one of my new favorite websites!!) and it's called "Life-Changing Vegan Thumbprints."  What I love most about these cookies is the fact that they taste like Pop-Tarts to me, but are made with maple syrup instead of sugar (much healthier than Pop-Tarts).

I used King Arthur's Gluten-Free Flour and half of the amount of maple syrup.  

Half of the cookies were with rhubarb jam and the other half with cherry.  I did find that these cookies were best the day that they are made.  Definitely a cookie that you can feel good about baking!

Check out thekitchn.com and veganbakingday.com for more ideas and information. 

Fall Wish List

I'm loving rich colors, comfy weekend jeans and flats for fall. Here's my current wish list:

1. House of Harlow Antler Rings - here and here

2. Prada Candy Perfume

3. ASOS Swing Dress

4. Emerson Made Car Coat

5. Banana Republic Riding Boots

6. 7 for All Mankind Boyfriend Jeans

7. T by Alexander Wang Tees

8. Tory Burch Drivers

CC SKYE

We love these pieces from LA based designer CC Skye!  Her items are worn by some of the biggest (and most stylish) names in Hollywood.  If you are in the LA area you should stop by The Argyle Salon and Spa where we sell some of her super cute items.

iPhone Case

Rosary Bracelet

Town and Country Satchel

Black and Gold Chain Bracelet

Mercy Spike Bracelet

Malibu Bracelet

Weave and Woven Leather and Chain Bangle Bracelet

Dress for Success

I recently started volunteering for the Houston chapter of Dress for Success and it has been so much fun! Dress for Success provides professional attire and a career support network for women who are getting back into the workforce. Ladies are referred to Dress for Success from homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, education programs and immigration programs. The goal of their first visit is to help the ladies pick a suit (along with a scarf, pearls, a handbag and shoes) to be confident in and ready for their first interview. After they get a job, the ladies are welcomed back to get another suit and a few other pieces to add to their work wardrobe. Dress for Success also offers ongoing education and support through their professional women's group.


To volunteer for a chapter in your area, or to make donations, visit the Dress for Success website. 

Find of the Day

I love this chic look! It reminds me of a Ralph Lauren outfit (but at a better price).

Madewell Dusklight Skirt 

Leather and Lace

Donna Mizani Lace Dress

Nightcap Clothing White Lace Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Lace Top

Silk Contrast Scalloped Lace Dress

ASOS Black Lace Dress

Mango Leather Skirt

Vince Crop Leather Legging

Haute Hippie Skinny Stretch Leather Legging

Theory Crinkled Leather Dress

Glitter and Glam

The outfit:

Luxe Rachel Zoe Ring

Rachel Zoe Dolman Sleeve Top

J. Brand Mid Rise Slim Boot Cut Jeans

Ivanka Trump Patent Pumps

Kenneth Jay Lane Earrings

Threading on Hair

"Threading" is my new favorite find in the world of eyebrows!  I'm the worst person at shaping my own brows so I put mine in the hands of the experts at the Benefit Store in Santa Monica (check out their website for a store close to you).  They told me there is a another way to get your brows shaped and it is not as harsh on your skin as wax.... it's called "threading."  They literally use a piece of thread to pull the hair out (I know it sounds crazy but it works).  It makes your skin so smooth AND the best part is that they can thread your entire face.  If you have annoying peach fuzz this takes it away and your skin will look so fresh and dewey.  I swear by this!

Also try their product line to fill in and highlight your brows.  You will be shocked at what a difference it makes to have your brows shaped well.  It can completely change your look!!

Budget Baubles - All Under $100!

A great piece of jewelry can totally change an outfit. 

Start accessorizing for fall with one or two of these great pieces - all under $100.

1. Luxe Rachel Zoe Floral Pave Lace Ring 

2. Kendra Scott Tavi Stud Earrings

3. Hatshepsut Beads - Bauble Bar

4. Juliet & Company Choker

5. House of Harlow Feather Ring

6. Lulu Frost for J. Crew Bangle

7. Stella & Dot Corso Hoops

Sachin + Babi

These amazing necklaces are just part of the accessories collection by Sachin + Babi. The pieces they design are so unique and impossible not to be noticed when you're wearing one. Visit their website to see the entire collection. While you're there, check out their home collection and ready to wear line!

Twelve Saturdays

College football season is back! We were lucky enough to discover Twelve Saturdays - the perfect combination of football and fashion. Founded by Liz Thomas, a South Carolina grad and resident of our college town, Tallahassee, FL, Twelve Saturdays brings out the sweet Southern style of football fashion. These are a few of our favorites - visit their website or like Twelve Saturdays on Facebook to see more!

Home Decor Inspiration: Chevron

I love these photos of chevron print in home decor as inspiration before my house shopping adventure this weekend and next. The print is modern and sophisticated and it can be combined with so many styles.

Images via Pinterest

Find of the Day

We're big fans of this Andara three stone ring to add a little sparkle to your outfit!

Lovely Leggings

One of my favorite things to wear as the weather cools is black leggings with flowy tops. I'm pretty sure I buy at least 3 new pair every fall/winter because I practically wear out the ones I own every year. These are a few of the picks I'm shopping for this fall.

1. Leggings with Faux Leather Trim & Zippers - K-Dash by Kardashian 

2. Cable Knit Leggings - Free People

3. Button leg Jersey Leggings - Juicy Couture

4. Bag-O-Black Leggings - Emerson Made

De-Puff Your Eyes

Puffy eyes are the worst thing to wake up to after a late night, crying, or too much salt! Patricia Wexler makes an Instant De-Puff Eye Cream that actually works.  I have been using this for a few years and swear by it.  I use it to de-puff (so I don't use it as my everyday eye cream)...... just for those special salty occasions!

Cute and Comfy

With the fall season right around the corner you are going to need some cozy clothes.  Here are some ideas that are comfortable and cute! 

                   Free People Love Bug Thermal Top      Joie Sweater       JNBY Tunic Sweater

Marc Jacobs Sweater Dress         Markus Lupfer Gem Heart Dress        Vince Drape Hem Sweater

Fashion's Night Out

Fashion's Night Out was started in 2009 as an event to celebration and help boost the economy with some shopping during the rough financial times we've been facing. This year's event is tomorrow night so it is time to get ready for some shopping! Check out the Fashion's Night Out website for events in your area. And don't forget to get festive with some FNO branded gear.

Long sleeve top - Tote - Short sleeve top

Ballet Flats

Ballet flats give your feet a great break from the heels we love so much. 

These are some favorite flats - with some great options for fall!

1. Kate Spade  2. J. Crew  3. Yosi Samra

4. Tory Burch  5. Cole Haan

Summer Friday

This is our last Summer Friday - we're sad to see summer go, but excited for the fall and lots of new things to share with you all over the next few months. Here are some of our last favorite shimmery summer picks. Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!

Sass & Bide Cuff

House of Harlow Evil Eye Bracelet

Pistol Annie's Album "Hell on Heels"

Chanel Fall 2011 Peridot Nail Polish

CC Skye iPhone Case

CC Skye Lucky Horn Rosary Bracelet

Easy Homemade Granola

Granola is always a good thing to have around! If you are entertaining guests for the weekend you can have it in a pretty jar and that way they can snack whenever.  If you have hungry kids (and significant others) you can give them a snack you will feel good about.  Many store bought granolas have a LOT of processed sugars and sweeteners.  Instead you can make homemade granola that is so much healthier! This is my take on my mom's recipe.

Here is my recipe for Easy Homemade Granola:

4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1/4 cup wheat germ and/or flax seeds (flax seeds give you a much nuttier taste, either one is good)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly ground if possible)
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup honey
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup raisins

Directions:

*Heat oven: 325 degrees

*Line baking sheet with parchment and spread the almonds on the paper
*Bake until toasted (around 3-5 minutes)
*Let cool

*In a large bowl, toss together oats, wheat germ and/or flax seeds, coconut, sunflower seeds, almonds, sesame seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt

*Melt butter over low heat on the stove
*Add the honey to the warm butter
*Stir to combine
*Pour butter and honey mixture over the oat mixture
*Mix with spatula until everything is coated with butter and honey mixture

*Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
*Divide the mixture onto the two baking sheets
*Spread onto sheet (keep the mixture together though, see picture)

*Bake until golden, 12-15 minutes (If you like your granola very crunchy then bake for longer)

*Transfer to wire rack and sprinkle with raisins
*Let cool
*Break up granola into big pieces
*Store in airtight container